Oakland boys score big win in first round
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The Patriots, who entered Friday?s District 7-AAA tournament game ranked No. 2 in the state?s AAA poll, routed Warren County for the third time this season, ending the Pioneers? season with an 82-39 loss.
Warren County finished its 2006-2007 campaign with a record of 4-21, while Oakland improved to 25-2 and moved on to the tournament?s semifinal round.
Chaisson Allen and Jaffarious Wade knocked down unanswered 3-pointers to open Friday?s game, and although Chase Officer ? who led the Pioneers? effort with nine points ? answered with a three-point play, WCHS would get no closer for the remainder of the contest, trailing 25-9 after a quarter and 47-18 at the half.
Oakland continued to pad its lead in the second half of play, scoring several buckets in transition during a third-quarter run which was sparked by a smothering defense which forced eight Pioneer turnovers in the period.
The Patriots, who closed the third with a 69-25 lead, were able to clear their bench in the fourth quarter, and led by 50 with a minute to play before the Pioneers closed the game with seven unanswered points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from sophomore Derek Mikkola.
Allen, who was selected as the District 7-AAA MVP earlier this week by league coaches, led his club with 21 points, including eight of his team?s first nine in the second half, before taking an early seat. Wade added 18, including a pair of 3-pointers, while DeAndre Maupins had nine points.
In addition to Officer?s nine, the Pioneers got eight points from Chris Weitzel, while Donta Weir, Carlzell Robinson and Ryan Daniel had four apiece. WCHS hit 26 percent (11-of-42) from the floor, and turned the ball over 21 times.
Oakland moved on to a second-round matchup with White County, which was scheduled for Saturday evening at Riverdale High School.